Compare and contrast the tenets of Buddhism and

Jainism. How far are these religious ideas relevant to

present day Modern India?
insightsonindia.com/2020/02/11/compare-and-contrast-the-tenets-of-buddhism-and-jainism-how-far-are-these-
religious-ideas-relevant-to-present-day-modern-india

Insights February 11, 2020

Editor

Topic: Indian Culture will cover the salient aspects of Art forms, Literature and
Architecture from ancient to modern times. Modern Indian history from about the middle
of the eighteenth century until the present

2. Compare and contrast the tenets of Buddhism and Jainism. How far are
these religious ideas relevant to present day Modern India? (250 words)

Reference: History Discussion

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Why this question:

The question is straightforward from the static portions of GS paper I and aims to
compare and contrast the two schools of religion/philosophies.

Key demand of the question:

The answer must compare and contrast the tenets of Buddhism and Jainism and explain
the relevance of the same to present day Modern India.

Directive:

Compare and contrast – provide for a detailed comparison of the two types, their
features that are similar as well as different. One must provide for detailed assessment of
the two.

Structure of the answer:

Introduction:

Highlight a fact such as – Numerous religious sects arouse in the middle of Gangetic
plains in the second half of the sixth century B.C. Of these sects, Buddhism and Jainism
were the most important and they emerged as the most potent religious reform movement.

Body:

Directly start discussing similarities in the two religious philosophies such as – both were
inspired by Upanishads, ideas of misery, caste, rituals etc. Discuss then the differences
such as in the aspects of – Moksha and means of its attainment, ahimsa, concept of soul
etc. Then move on to explain relevance of it to today’s Modern India.

Conclusion:

Conclude by reasserting the significance of the two, Throughout history, the practice,
adherence and belief in religion has been a virtually universal aspect of human society.
Jainism and Buddhism can, in fact, play a pivotal role for the protection of the
environment, for nurturing morality, ethics and universal brotherhood

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